John Jacob Astor Letter, 1798

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

John Jacob Astor letter. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Background

Scope and content:

9 1/2" x 15" folded paper. Dated July 15, 1798. Sent by Astor from Ballstown Springs to Abraham[?] Tomlinson in Schenectady. Content of letter is concerned with the fur trade in New York State, and the quality and prices of furs Astor was interested in purchasing. Valued at approximately $10,000.

Biographical / historical:

John Jacob Astor was a prominent early American businessman, noted for his role in the fur trade. Born July 17, 1763, in Waldorf, Germany, he emigrated to New York City and founded a fur goods shop in 1786. A shrewd trader, he became the leading figure in the fur trade by 1800, notably through his foundation of the American Fur Company and dealings in furs in China. He also invested in New York City real estate, which established a family fortune that would last for generations. The wealthiest man in the United States at the time of his death, he left a $400,000 bequest for the formation of the Astor Library, which would become amalgamated as one of the founding elements of New York Public Library in 1895. Astor passed away on March 29, 1848, leaving 7 children. His wife, Sarah Cox Todd, whom he wed in 1785, passed away in 1842.

Acquisition information:
Unknown provenance. Reprint and transcription of letter can be found on pages 5-7 in "Entrepreneurship in the Genesee Country: George C. Latta," by Joan Sullivan, in Rochester History, vol. 45, nos. 3 and 4 (July and October 1983), ed. Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck.
Physical description:
Paper shows ghosting. Paper has a complete horizontal tear across the middle fold.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Fur trade

Access and use

Restrictions:

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Preferred citation:

John Jacob Astor letter. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.

Location of this collection:
Rundel Memorial Building
115 South Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
585-428-8370
lochist@libraryweb.org